Because there’s no reason the Jets, even at 0-3, even without Chad Pennington, Donnie Abraham and all the Jetskins, can’t line up and win a simple home game against the Cowboys . . . except for one: Bill Parcells.

Tuna doesn’t run easy training camps. He gets rid of older players who can’t get it done anymore (compare/contrast Emmitt Smith and Mo Lewis here). Most importantly, Parcells doesn’t have to be forced at gunpoint to tailor his game plan to his personnel.

Parcells knows he can shut down Curtis Martin by putting eight in the box. He knows he can get Vinny Testaverde out of the pocket and on the run. And he knows how to move the ball against two linebackers he inherited from Rich Kotite.

The pick: Cowboys +3.

Patriots (+3) over REDSKINSThe Patriots might be too banged up to bring their “A” game, with numerous injuries on defense and the offensive line. But one recurring betting theme over the years is that it’s good business to take Bill Belichick vs. a young QB.

RAVENS (+3) over ChiefsWas hoping to argue that Jamal Lewis will be able to keep ball away from Chiefs’ nuclear offense, but Ravens have managed just 28 minutes-and-change in possession the first three games. So it’s on to Theory B, which cautions against taking a team that has won three blowouts in a row.

BILLS (-3) over EaglesInjuries to Bills’ Travis Henry and the Eagles defense (four starters questionable or worse) take some luster off what could have been a top-shelf matchup. Now the focus goes to the other side of the ball, where pressure’s on Donovan McNabb to wake up and save Birds’ season.

STEELERS (-3) over TitansSteelers have revenge on their side after last season’s bitter playoff loss in Tennessee, when Titans kicker Joe Nedney got a second chance for a field goal after a running-into-the-kicker penalty, then drilled the winner as (or maybe after) the Steelers tried to call time out.

Bengals (+41/2) over BROWNSCorey Dillon is listed as probable with a groin injury, but you can bet he’ll want to be out there against a Browns defense against which he’s averaged 118 yards in eight meetings. Cleveland QB controversy could resurface with Kelly Holcomb (ankle) questionable.

49ers (+3) over VIKINGSVikings got away with Gus Frerotte to Kelly Campbell in second half vs. Lions, but can’t recommend this surprising 3-0 team if they have to do without Daunte Culpepper and/or Randy Moss for whole game against Niners team that’s coming off two narrow defeats.

RAMS (-101/2) over CardsTen years of pro picking experience teaches not to jump on the Cardinals’ bandwagon after a win. True, Marshall Faulk had been logging more carries in Marc Bulger’s games than in Kurt Warner’s, and the loss of Faulk means the young QB’s play-action will be less convincing. But Rams still have more than enough to win big on the carpet.

Falcons (+6) over PANTHERSJohn Fox has done a great job with the formerly pathetic Panthers, but their two victories by a total of four points don’t warrant such a hefty point outlay. Falcons have won last six vs. Carolina, including colossal routs of 30-0 and 41-0 last season.

TEXANS (+3) over JaguarsHave to wonder why the Texans, at 1-2, are underdogs at home to the winless Jags. Maybe it’s the fact that Mark Brunell is questionable with an elbow injury and that Byron Leftwich, who missed much of training camp, may be unprepared for this early appearance vs. a decent D.

RAIDERS (-7) over ChargersRaiders haven’t done anything yet to be a TD favorite over anybody. But you’d expect more of a bounce-back from them than the comatose Chargers, who apparently wasted $47M on David Boston.

Lions (+121/2) over BRONCOS Mike Shanahan’s not going to risk a more severe injury to Clinton Portis, whose backup Mike Anderson is also banged up. A Denver letdown might be in order after the “MNF” rout of the hated Raiders.

SAINTS (+11/2) over ColtsSaints, who are ravaged with defensive injuries, could get a break if Edgerrin James (questionable) isn’t at full strength. A general rule of thumb in the parity-driven NFL is to go with the 1-2 team against the 3-0 team in Week 4.

MONDAY NIGHT BEARS (+4) over PackersWould normally count on Brett Favre to make amends for the horrific loss in Arizona. But this homecoming night at the new Soldier Field is the Bears’ Super Bowl. Even with Kordell Stewart at QB, Marty Booker and Dez White will have success vs. Packers secondary.